How TDS affects catfish fries

Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measure of the total amount of dissolved substances in water. It is expressed in parts per million (ppm). 

TDS can include a variety of substances, such as salts, minerals, and metals.

Catfish fries are particularly sensitive to TDS levels in the water. High TDS levels can cause a number of problems for catfish fries, including:

Reduced growth: High TDS levels can interfere with the catfish fries' ability to absorb nutrients from the water. This can lead to reduced growth and development.

Increased stress: High TDS levels can also cause stress in catfish fries. This can make them more susceptible to disease and infection.

Reduced survival rates: High TDS levels can lead to increased mortality rates in catfish fries and grown out thereby stressing the kidney in excessive work in filtration which leads to kidney failure due of high toxicity of total dissolved solids in water.

It is important to maintain optimal TDS levels in the water when raising catfish fries. The ideal TDS level for catfish fries is between 200 and 300 ppm.

Tips for maintaining optimal TDS levels in the water for catfish fries:

Test the TDS levels in the water regularly. You can purchase a TDS meter from us. Only limited stock available.

If the TDS levels are too high, you can dilute the water with fresh water.

You can also use a reverse osmosis (RO) system to filter the water and remove dissolved solids from your water.

Be careful not to lower the TDS levels too much, as this can also be harmful to catfish fries.

By monitoring and maintaining optimal TDS levels in the water, you can help to ensure that your catfish fries grow and thrive.

Tips on how to manage catfish fries:

1).Maintain good water quality. This is the most important factor in keeping catfish fries healthy and alive. The water should be clean, clear, and free of pollutants. 

The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5, and the temperature should be between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius.

2). Feed the fries regularly. Newly hatched fries should be fed several times a day, at a rate of 6-10% of their body weight. As they grow older, they can be fed less often.

Feed them a high-quality fry food that is specifically formulated for catfish.

3). Avoid overfeeding. Overfeeding can lead to water quality problems and make the fish susceptible to disease. Only feed the fries as much as they can eat in a few minutes.

4). Remove waste regularly. Catfish fries produce a lot of waste, which can pollute the water. Remove the waste from the tank or pond regularly to keep the water clean.

5). Protect the fries from predators. Catfish fries are small and vulnerable to predators, such as birds, turtles, and other fish. Protect them by covering the tank or pond with a fine mesh.

6). Monitor the fish closely. Keep an eye on the fish for signs of illness or stress. If you notice any problems, take action immediately.

7). Provide them with plenty of oxygen. This can be done by aeration or by circulating the water.

8). Add plants to the tank or pond. The plants will help to improve the water quality and provide the fish with hiding places.

9). Keep the water temperature consistent. Fluctuations in temperature can stress the fish and slow their growth.

10). Provide the fish with a balanced diet. This includes a variety of live (daphna), Atemia, and dry foods.

By following these tips, you can help your catfish fries grow healthy and strong.

Buy our Total Dissolved Solids Meter (N10,000)

Buy pH strips (80 strips in a pack) (N5000)

Buy Both pH and TDS meter N13,500

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(N3000 - N5000) Depends on location.

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How to calculate the daily dosage of OTC medication applied in feed

How to calculate the daily dosage of OTC medication applied in feed

Suppose that you have stocked 5000 catfish and after 2 weeks mortality starts and you suspect a bacteria infection. The fish are stocked at an average of 10g (0.01kg) a piece and in 2 weeks they were fed 40kg.

The estimated biomass of the fish will be 

5000x 0.01kg+40kgx 1.0(FCR=1)=90kg

The dosage of applying OTC in the feed is 75mg/kg of fish. 

So, the dosage on a daily basis for a period of 7 days is :

90kg x 75mg/kg =6750mg

Or approximately 7g.

You feed the fish 1% of the bodyweight on a daily which is 90kg x 1/100=0.9kg

In summary you apply 7g of OTC per day in 0.9 of starter feed for 5-7days.

Note: Mixing the antibiotic I  the feed should be carried out with gloves. Normally the antibiotic will stick to the oil-coated feed. If the feed is too dry, you can add a little vegetable oil to make the feed stickly for the antibiotic.

How to calculate the dosage of OTC (Oxytetracycline) medication applied in water ) 

A concrete tank(pond) has the dimension of 5m x 2m x 0.8m and you want to treat the fish with OTC (oxytetracycline) 40g/m³. You reduce the water level to 0.4m. How much OTC should you use? 

Solution 

5mx2mx0.4m =4m³ 

4m³x40g/m=160g

The OTC should remain in tank for at least 4 hours, followed by adding fresh water.

How to calculate the dosage of OTC medication based on the percentage of active ingredients? 

The OTC you are buying has an active ingredient of 100g OTC/kg, which means that the medicine has 10% active ingredient. The dosage of 40 g/m³ has to be multiplied by 10=400g/m³

Always try to buy medicine with 100% active ingredient. 

The inactive ingredient will pollute the water.

Reduce the water level to 1ft

 For instance 

If you pond is 

5 meters wild

10meter long 

 And the level of the water is 0.3meter(1ft)

28ml of formaline to 1leter of water

LxBxHx28

5mx10mx0.3mx28ml 

=420ml 

420ml of formalin is to be apply

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Sudden increases in pH KILLS YOUR FISH.

Sudden changes in pH can stress or kill your fish even when those changes occur within a pH range they normally tolerate. 

 Catfish fries, fingerlings, Juveniles and grownout are very sensitive to sudden increases in pH. 

Catfish fry acclimated to waters with pH near optimum (pH 6.5 to 7.5) can withstand sudden transfer to water with pH in the range without being killed.

However, fish will be killed when abruptly transferred to waters with pH values more than 1 unit higher than the water to which they were acclimated. 

Sudden transfer to waters 1.5 pH units higher will kill about 50 percent of the fish, and transfer to water 2.2 pH units higher will kill almost all the fish.

This intolerance of catfish to abrupt increases in pH has important practical considerations. 

Most newly hatched catfish fry are held for several days in hatchery tanks supplied with flow-through groundwater with a pH near 7.5. 

Fry are then transferred to a transport tank (usually filled with water from the same source used in the hatchery) and then stocked into a nursery pond for further growth. 

Nursery pond pH cycles daily, and if fish are transferred to the nursery pond during the afternoon when pH is usually highest, many fish may quickly die. 

The solution is simple: First measure the pH of the water in both the transport tank and the pond, and then transfer fish only when the pH of the receiving water is very near, or below, that of the transport tank water. 

Pond pH is usually lowest a few hours after dawn, so this is usually the best time to transfer fry.

You can order digital ph meter and Temperature meter from us now.

Only limited stock available

Ph meter price: N10,000

Temperature meter price: N5000

Promo: Buy both pH meter and Temperature meter for N14000

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DROPSY IN CATFISH

 

Dropsy refers to a condition in which fish often have hugely swollen bellies, and the continuing use of the term probably has to do with how it so accurately depicts the visual symptom: the belly drops down. Sometimes the condition is also known as bloat. 

Any fish may be exposed to the dropsy-causing bacteria, but healthy fish rarely fall prey to the disease. Fish are only susceptible when their immune system has been compromised by some other stress factor. If all the fish in the tank are under stress, it’s quite common for the entire tank to become infected, but it is also possible for only one or two fish to fall ill, especially when prompt action is taken to prevent the spread of the bacteria.

As the infection progresses, skin lesions may appear, the belly fills with fluids and becomes swollen, internal organs are damaged, and ultimately the fish will die. Even with prompt treatment, the mortality rate is high. Successful treatment is very unlikely unless a fish is diagnosed in the early stages of the infection.

Symptoms of the underlying bacterial infection can vary widely. Some fish will have the classic swollen belly, others display skin lesions, while still others show few symptoms at all. This variability is what makes diagnosis difficult. In most cases, a number of symptoms are observed, both physical and behavioral.

Symptoms

• Grossly swollen belly
• Scales that stand out with a pinecone-like appearance
• Eyes that bulge
• Gills that are pale
• The anus that becomes red and swollen
• Feces that are pale and stringy
• Ulcers on the body, along the lateral line
• A spine that is curved
• Fins clamped together
• Redness of the skin or fins
• General lethargy
• Refusal to eat
• Swimming near the surface

The agent that causes the symptoms of dropsy is usually the very common Aeromonas bacteria, one of several gram-negative bacteria present in most aquarium habitats. The bacteria are known as gram-negative because they do not take on a specific stain used in the Gram Stain method of identifying bacteria species.

The bacteria will only lead to serious infection in a fish that already has a compromised immune system. This can happen as the result of stress from a number of factors, such as:

• Poor water quality
• Ammonia or nitrite spikes
• A large drop in water temperature
• Stress from transportation
• Improper nutrition
• Aggressive tankmates
• Other diseases

Generally, a single or short-term exposure to stress will not compromise the ability of the fish to fight infection. In most cases, the stress exposure must be present for an extended period of time, or several stress factors must occur in rapid succession, in order to affect the fish's immune system. 

• Move the sick fish to a "separate tank."
• Add 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in the tank
• Feed the fish fresh, high-quality foods.
• Treat the fish with antibiotics, either in the food or in the water.
• Test the water ph in the tank daily to ensure it is appropriate for the fish.

It is important to move any infected fish to another tank to separate them from the remaining healthy fish. While the affected fish are quarantined, perform a water change on the original tank and monitor the remaining fish closely for the appearance of symptoms.

Salt should be added to the hospital tank, again at the ratio of 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Low levels of salt in the water aid in the osmotic balance of the fish by making the water salinity closer to the fish's blood salinity. That helps the fish get rid of excess water accumulating in the body, causing the dropsy. But, don't add too much salt as that can be unhealthy for freshwater fish. Keep the hospital tank scrupulously clean, and perform weekly partial water changes, adding salt to the new water being added to the aquarium.

Provide the ill fish with a variety of fresh, high-quality food. Often this is enough to resolve the infection in cases that are not too far advanced, if the fish is still eating. Keep the fish under observation for several weeks after the symptoms disappear.

Antibiotics should be used if the fish does not immediately respond. A broad-spectrum antibiotic specifically formulated for gram-negative bacteria is recommended, such as Maracyn-Two. A 10-day course is ideal for ensuring the infection is eradicated, but you should always follow the manufacturer's directions for duration and dosage.

How to Prevent Dropsy

As with many diseases, prevention is the best cure. Almost all the factors that stress fish enough to make them susceptible to infection can be prevented. Because poor water quality is the most common root cause of stress, tank maintenance is critical. Factors to keep in mind include:

• Test the  water PH regularly to ensure it is healthy for your fish.
• Perform regular water changes.
• Keep the tank clean.
• Clean the filter regularly.
• Use a gravel vacuum to remove wastes from the bottom of the tank.
• Avoid overcrowding the tank.
• Do not overfeed fish.
• Vary your fish's diet
  .

If the tank is well maintained and the fish are fed a healthy diet, outbreaks of infections causing dropsy are unlikely.

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Major Non Infectious Diseases in Catfishes and their preventive measures

Aquaculture accompanies several disease problems caused by different microbial pathogens which are common evident in general culture practice. High stocking densities, over feeding and other organic loads stimulate the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Bacteria, virus, fungus and protozoan parasites are the important microorganisms to cause diseases in fish culture. Disease outbreaks continue to be a major problem for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. Clinical outbreaks can negatively impact on the welfare of the fish and the economic gain.

The non pathogenic diseases in fishes is due to environmental factors, nutritional deficiency, degrade of pond conditions etc. The following are the important non pathogenic diseases of the which affect severely to catfishes….

 

• Crack Head / Head Crack /Broken head disease / Broken skull disease
• Yellow Liver (Jaundice) disease / Yellow Liver disease / Swollen liver disease
• Brown Blood diseases

Crack Head Disease in Cat Fish.

The “Crack Head” disease is the only obvious catfish disease reported from pond culture .It is also called the Broken Head Disease / Broken Skull Disease. It is a highly devastating disease in commercial catfish farming in India.

 

Causes.

Crack Head disease is due to one or more of nutritional deficiencies like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus .Crack Head disease believe to be caused by a poor diet or lack of unbalanced nutrients, poor water quality and over feeding etc .

 

Symptoms.

Begins as small pits on the head region, usually just above the eyes. The affected fish shows a reddishness lateral line on the skull, between the two air chambers, parallel to the skull plate joints . In later stage, these turn into large cavities in which the disease is progresses along the lateral line. Skull will break ultimately fish will die.

 

The clinical symptoms are slightly distended abdomen due haemorrhages , occasionally exophthalmus (pop-eyes), reduced growth, scoliosis, lordosis, haemorrhages, lesion on fin distorted gill filaments, fin erosion, abnormal pigmentation, increased capillary fragility, poor reproductive performance and spinal deformity.

 

Recently, it has been noticed that the Crack Head disease is reported as Vitamin C deficiency syndrome in intensive catfish culture. The dearth importance of vitamin C as an immune modulator and a key nutritional element for catfish.

 

 

Possible Treatments.

 

• Increase frequent water changes.
• Add vitamins supplements enriched with Vitamin C in the feed.
• Remove sludge from the pond bottom.
• Maintain optimum DO, pH and minimizes ammonia level in pond water.
• Supply balanced diet regularly.

 

 

Brown Blood Disease.

 

Nitrite poisoning commonly called "Brown Blood" Disease, is an environmental  disease that affect a number of fish species including channel catfish. The main cause is elevated levels of nitrite in the pond water. The disease occurs in fish when the water contains high nitrite concentrations. Nitrite is a product of the breakdown of ammonia by bacteria. Nitrite enters pond eco system after feed is digested by fish and the excess nitrogen is converted into ammonia, which is then excreted as waste into the water. Uneaten (wasted) feed and other organic material also break down into ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in a similar manner.

 

Nitrite enters the bloodstream through the gills and turns the blood to a chocolate-brown color. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood and combines with nitrite to form methemoglobin which is incapable of transport oxygen. Brown blood cannot carry sufficient amounts of oxygen and affected fish can suffocate despite adequate oxygen concentration in the water. This accounts for the gasping behavior often observed in fish with brown blood disease, even when oxygen levels are relatively high.The term "brown blood disease" comes from the appearance of the blood that has high levels of methemoglobin .

Brown blood disease can be prevented, or at least minimized, by close monitoring of nitrite, chloride, and TAN, and by maintaining the proper chloride to nitrite ratio. If brown blood disease does occur, the condition can be reversed by adding salt to the water. Catfish (likely other fish) surviving brown blood disease or nitrite stress are more susceptible to bacterial infections, anemia (white-lip or no-blood), and other stress-related diseases. The secondary problems such as Aeromonas or Columnaris infections, often occur in 1 to 3 weeks after brown blood disease.

 

 

Sodium chloride (common salt) is used to treat brown blood disease. Calcium chloride also can be used but typically more expensive. The chloride portion of salt competes with nitrite for absorption through the gills.

 

Jaundice Disease in Catfish.

 

Jaundice is a condition of yellow colouration in the abdominal skin, sclera of the eyes and fin bases. It is a significant health problem affecting the most of freshwater catfishes. Jaundice is due to an excess of bile pigment present in the blood and lymph. This condition described in catfish as "Catfish Jaundice".The affected fishes are suffering from a haemolytic anaemia resulting in jaundice. Although, a single pathogen could not be associated with this condition, a wide range of microbial pathogens are involved .

 

These may contribute towards the morbidity and mortality is observed in jaundiced fish. Myxosporean infection is found in both apparently normal fish and jaundiced fish. In affected fish gills becomes pale, yellow ascitic fluid, enlarged spleen, kidney and gall bladder, and/or yellow flesh.

 

The clinical symptoms are:

 

• Affected fish shows yellow colour of the skin and gills.
• Reduced appetite and became lethargic, anorexic and moribund
• Fish show gill rot & increases mortality rates
• The spleen, kidney, gall bladder and liver become enlarged with pale-yellow in colour.
• The fat tissue in the abdominal cavity also yellow in colour.
• Serum of jaundiced fish is bright yellow to orange in colour

 

 

Fish has lose movement due todamage of caudal fin. Disease occurs due to poor water quality, high stocking density , disease occours conveniently at temperature 30oC. However, disease also occurs when temperature fluctuates unusually. E. Italis, that causes pus-in-liver disease in Catfish.

 

 

Jaundice disease is very dangerous and difficult to treatment. In severe condition , it may lead mass mortality of fish in early growing stages . Jaundiced fish has prone more susceptible to stress and tended to die before reach to the market size .

 

 

Rancid fats in the diet result in high levels of free radicals and peroxides that cause oxidative damage to biological membranes and organelles. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential components of all biomembranes. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant and protects biological membranes from lipid peroxidation by acting as a scavenger of free radicals. The presence of rancid fats however depletes the diet of vitamin E and other antioxidants, leaving the biological membranes vulnerable to oxidation. The improved and quality of the feed is recommended for this condition.

 

 

Preventive measures for diseases in fish culture farms.

The health management of fish is enforcement of stringent biosecurity measures that prevent the entry of pathogens into the culture system. Other important components of fish health management include minimization of stressful events and use of compounds that boost or stimulate the fish immune system. Following are the key recommendations for effective health management…Proper pond Preparation , stocking of quality seed and disease free fish fry ,maintaining of water quality ,high nutritional feed etc are essential to reduce risks of fish disease outbreaks. Regular use of probiotic and immunostimulants has the greater impact on fish farming and minimizes the risk factors for disease out breaks. Environmental management to minimize stress also plays a major role in disease prevention.

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Importance of PH for Water Quality in Fish Farming.

 Importance of PH  for Water Quality in Fish Farming.

Fish perform all their bodily functions in water. Because fish are totally dependent upon water to breathe, feed and grow, excrete wastes, maintain a salt balance, and reproduce, understanding the physical and chemical qualities of water is critical to successful fish farming. To a great extent water determines the success or failure of an fish farming operation.

Very high (greater than 7.5) or very low (less than 6.5) pH values are unsuitable for most aquatic organisms. Young fish and immature stages of aquatic insects are extremely sensitive to pH levels below 6.5 and may die at these low pH values.

High pH levels (7.6 - 14) can harm fish by denaturing cellular membranes. Changes in pH can also affect aquatic life indirectly by altering other aspects of water chemistry.

 Low pH levels accelerate the release of metals from rocks in soil or sediments in the stream.

 These metals can affect a fish's metabolism and the fish's ability to take water in.

High pH Levels Effect

At high pH (>7.5) most ammonium in water is converted to toxic ammonia (NH3) which can kill fish.

 Moreover, cyanobacterial toxins can also significantly influence fish populations.

NOTE: One critical parameter is pH: 

Not only for the health of the fish, but for the bacteria have that pollute the water as well as nitrifiers that remove excess nutrients.

pH is important in fish farming as a measure of the acidity of the water or soil. 

Fish cannot survive in waters below pH 6.5 and above pH 7.5 for long periods. 

The optimum pH for fish is between 6.5 and 7.5. 

Fish will grow poorly and reproduction will be affected at consistently higher or lower pH levels.

Death is certain. Bad water ph is 80 %  responsible for mist death in catfish rearing.

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